Punk rock has always been a vessel for rebellion, frustration, and raw energy, but every once in a while, a band emerges that channels that intensity into something even more powerful—a message of hope, resilience, and survival. Enter Crimson, the Toronto-based punk-rock force that’s breaking the mold with their high-energy sound and relentless drive for positivity. Their latest single, Drowning, released on February 10, 2025, is a gut-punch of emotion and intensity, fusing breakneck punk aggression with a deeply personal exploration of struggle and perseverance.
From the very first riff, Drowning hits like a tidal wave—fast, unrelenting, and impossible to ignore. Frontman and rhythm guitarist Angel Licop delivers his most impassioned performance yet, his vocals teetering between anguish and defiance as he tackles themes of self-doubt, mental turmoil, and the fight to stay afloat in the face of overwhelming pressure. His riffs are tight, urgent, and infectious, providing the perfect foundation for the storm that follows.
Backing him up with precision and fire is lead guitarist Ken Salazar, whose razor-sharp solos and intricate leads add depth to the chaos. His ability to weave between blistering punk runs and melodic flourishes keeps Drowning from being just another thrash-and-burn punk track—it’s an anthem, built to uplift even as it dives headfirst into darkness.
But it’s Dennis Lauchengco’s basslines and Gian Hagong’s powerhouse drumming that truly drive Drowning into punk greatness. Lauchengco’s groove keeps everything locked in, providing weight and movement beneath the chaos, while Hagong’s relentless, heavy-hitting beats push the song forward like a runaway freight train. The combination of speed, aggression, and intricate rhythmic changes makes Drowning a track that demands movement, whether it’s a full-blown mosh pit or a solitary headbang in your room.
Lyrically, Drowning stands as a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed, lost, or suffocated by life’s challenges. The verses are raw and vulnerable, capturing the feeling of being trapped in your own mind, but the chorus bursts open like a battle cry, reminding listeners that there is a way out—that even when you feel like you’re drowning, you can still fight your way to the surface.
Crimson isn’t just another punk band—they’re a movement, merging the aggression of punk, the ferocity of hardcore, and the expansive textures of post-rock to create something that hits hard but heals at the same time. Their music is deeply rooted in Positive Mental Attitude (PMA), an ideology that punk and hardcore legends before them have carried, but Crimson redefines it with their own fresh energy and melodic edge.
And it’s not just in the studio where they thrive—Crimson’s live shows have already earned them a reputation as one of Toronto’s most electrifying new bands. Their connection with their audience is undeniable, turning every show into a cathartic release, a place where struggles are acknowledged but never given the final word.
With Drowning, Crimson has solidified their place as one of the most exciting up-and-coming bands in the punk scene today. This is a track that reminds us that pain and struggle are real, but so is the strength to overcome them. It’s a song that meets you at your lowest but refuses to let you stay there.
As the band gears up for their debut EP, set to drop later this year, Drowning serves as a perfect introduction to their sound and their mission—to prove that punk isn’t just about fighting against the world; it’s about fighting for yourself.
So if you’re looking for a song that feels like a battle cry and a lifeline all at once, Drowning is your answer. Turn it up, let it hit, and remember—no matter how deep the water gets, you’re never going under alone.
